Murder by the Book: Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson

“Books are time travel. True readers all know this. But books don't just take you back to the time in which they were written; they can take you back to different versions of yourself.”

― Peter Swanson, Eight Perfect Murders

Is the owner of a bookstore specializing in mysteries, helping or hindering the FBI in their investigation of murders linked to a blog that he wrote?

Malcolm Kershaw is questioned in the investigation of numerous murders because his blog post listing eight novels that described the "perfect murder," appear to be the inspiration for a spree of murders. What connection does the list have with the victims? Are the victims related to his ex-wife? How is the bookish Kershaw involved?

Kershaw's first person narration adds tension to the novel's edgy tone. The references to numerous mystery novels and trivia about them, may further entice lovers of this genre to give this twisty story a try.

Here is the list of mysteries in said blog. It might be better to read or refresh your memory of the books on the list before you read Eight Perfect Murders, so you aren't inundated by spoilers.

The List of books featuring the perfect murder:

The Red House Mystery (1922)- A.A. Milne Malice Aforethought (1931)- Francis Iles The A.B.C. Murders (1936)- Agatha Christie Double Indemnity (1943)- James Cain Strangers on a Train (1950)- Patricia Highsmith The Drowner (1963)- John MacDonald Deathtrap (1978)- Ira Levin The Secret History (1992)- Donna Tartt

If you enjoy mysteries, you might also like:

Crooked River by Preston and Child:

https://www.turquoisemaya.com/post/review-crooked-river-preston-and-child

The Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas:

https://www.turquoisemaya.com/post/review-catherine-house-elisabeth-thomas

Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman:

https://www.turquoisemaya.com/post/review-something-in-the-water-catherine-steadman